Risks of heat illness and increased stream flows as Interior enters first hot stretch of summer: Environment Canada

MERRITT — Environment Canada issued a special weather statement on Wednesday (June 22) as B.C.’s Interior awaits its first hot stretch of the summer.

Starting Saturday (June 25) and lasting until at least early into the following week, temperatures are forecast to reach daily highs rising into the low-to-mid 30s with overnight lows down to the mid-teens.

Affected regions include Nicola, the North and South Thompson, Shuswap, Cariboo, 100 Mile, and West Columbia.

“Freezing levels rise throughout this event and will lead to an increase in snowmelt and snowpack instability,” said Environment Canada. “Increased stream flows due to run-off are possible.”

According to official this affects the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Kamloops, the Okanagan Connector from Merritt to Kelowna, Highway 97 from Clinton to 100 Mile House, and the Trans Canada Highway from Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass.

Environment Canada warns that the risk of heat related illness increases as temperatures rise.

Near-normal temperatures are forecast to return by the middle of next week as a cooler, unsettled airmass pushes onshore.